outlet
OWT-leht
Outlet (noun) means a wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices. Example: “The only outlet in the café was behind a heavy table.”
noun
1
A wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices.
"The only outlet in the café was behind a heavy table."
"She plugged the lamp into the outlet by the window."
"There aren't enough outlets in this room for all my chargers."
2
A way to release energy, emotion, or creativity.
"Writing in a diary gave her a healthy outlet for her worries."
"Running became his main outlet for stress."
"She uses painting as an emotional outlet."
3
A store that sells a particular brand or manufacturer's goods, often at a discount.
"We found a cheap jacket at an outlet on the edge of town."
"They bought hiking boots at the factory outlet."
"The mall has an outlet for nearly every major clothing brand."
How to use outlet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA point where something — electricity, feelings, or products — gets released or sold.
UK vs US
Americans say "outlet" for a wall socket; British English usually says "socket" or "power point."
Common pairings
power outlet
creative outlet
retail outlet
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Word forms
- Plural
- outlets
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The only _____ in the café was behind a heavy table.
Etymology
From Middle English outleten, "to let out" — built from out- + let, the same "let" as in "let someone through."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for outlet
See all rhymes for outlet →Frequently asked questions
What does “outlet” mean?
The word “outlet” means a wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices. In plain terms, a point where something — electricity, feelings, or products — gets released or sold.
How do you pronounce “outlet”?
“Outlet” is pronounced OWT-leht (/ˈaʊtlɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “outlet” in a sentence?
Here is “outlet” used in a sentence: “She plugged the lamp into the outlet by the window.”
What part of speech is “outlet”?
“Outlet” is a noun.
Where does the word “outlet” come from?
The word “outlet” comes from Middle English. From Middle English outleten, "to let out" — built from out- + let, the same "let" as in "let someone through.".
Is “outlet” a common word?
“Outlet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “outlet” have?
“Outlet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wall socket that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices.
What is the difference between an "outlet" and a "socket"?
Both refer to the wall fitting that supplies electric power to plugged-in devices. "Outlet" is the usual term in American English, while British English speakers more often say "socket" or "power point". The meaning is the same.
What is the difference between an "outlet" and a "plug"?
The outlet is the socket fixed in the wall that supplies electricity, and the plug is the fitting on the end of a cord that you insert into it. People often say "plug" loosely for both, but strictly speaking the plug goes into the outlet.
What is an outlet store?
An outlet store sells a particular brand's or manufacturer's goods, often at a discount. Outlet malls group many of these stores together, and shoppers visit them expecting lower prices than at regular retail stores.
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